The Mediterranean Journalists Federation management met in Burdur during the 20th anniversary events of MAKÜ

Burdur Mehmet Akif Ersoy University (MAKÜ) hosted Gaye Coşkun, the President of the Mediterranean Journalists Federation (AGF), and the presidents of the societies affiliated with the federation, along with board members, as part of the 20th anniversary events. In the program led by Burdur Journalists Society President Kürşat Tuncel, the university's educational vision and Burdur's economic, cultural, and touristic values were introduced.

As part of the program, the AGF delegation attended a meeting hosted by MAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar at the Lavanta Tepesi Hotel. During the meeting, the projects implemented by the university in recent years, innovative practices in education, and future vision were shared.

MAKÜ's 20-year development journey

Rector Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Dalgar, in his presentation, explained the 20-year development process of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University, stating that the university is now among Turkey's rapidly developing higher education institutions with 36 academic units, nearly 35,000 students, and over 2,100 employees.

Internationalization goal: 4,000 foreign students

Emphasizing the great importance of internationalization for universities, Dalgar noted that approximately 1,600 international students from 40 different countries are studying at the university, stating that they aim to increase this number to 3,500-4,000 in the upcoming period.

Adaptation to artificial intelligence and digital transformation

Dalgar pointed out that alongside physical infrastructure, academic quality and innovative educational models have come to the forefront in higher education, stating that they have quickly adapted to artificial intelligence and digital transformation processes. He mentioned that they have made artificial intelligence courses mandatory in all departments, expressing that preparing students for the professions of the future is a fundamental responsibility of universities.

Universities are now living spaces

Highlighting that the traditional understanding of education has changed, Dalgar emphasized that universities should no longer be just institutions that transfer knowledge, but living spaces that contribute to students' social, cultural, and personal development.

Strong contribution to employment through workplace training

Dalgar also mentioned the workplace training model implemented at MAKÜ, stating that students receive practical training alongside industry representatives for one year in their final year. He said that thanks to this model, which was implemented for the first time in their own universities in Turkey, the employment rates of graduates have significantly increased.

New competencies with micro-credential programs

Dalgar expressed that students should not be limited to their diplomas, stating that different competencies are provided in various fields through micro-credential programs implemented for the first time in Turkey at the university. He noted that 93 different micro-credential programs are currently being conducted, allowing students to obtain certificates and diplomas in different disciplines according to their areas of interest.

"We are preparing our students for the world of the future"

Dalgar stated, "Our primary duty is to prepare our students not for today's world, but for the world of the future," emphasizing that academics need to closely follow the transformation of professions and continuously update educational content.

As part of the program, the AGF delegation also attended a breakfast program hosted by Burdur Governor Tülay Baydar Bilgihan at Bakibey Mansion. In a friendly atmosphere, Governor Bilgihan provided information about Burdur's historical, cultural, and natural riches.

The delegation later had the opportunity to closely learn about the prominent values of the city in agriculture and industry during the program held at Burdur Train Station's Millet Kıraathanesi and Gar Cafe.

During the visit, federation members were shown around the MAKÜ campus, the application farm, the stadium, and the milk processing facilities, and were informed about the university's practical education infrastructure.

In the final part of the program, a special event was organized by the MAKÜ Turkish Music State Conservatory at the historic Taş Oda Mansion, showcasing Burdur's folkloric values. During the program, which introduced Burdur's cultural heritage, local music was performed, and information about the city's traditional life was shared.

Members of the Mediterranean Journalists Federation expressed that the visit provided an important opportunity to closely understand both the educational efforts of Mehmet Akif Ersoy University and to see the cultural and economic potential of Burdur on-site.